Road Trip Close to Home: History comes alive inside Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library
The 45,000‑square‑foot exhibit space features roughly 34,000 artifacts, including gifts given to the president as head of state, items presented to the American people, and personal belongings from the Roosevelt family.
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A place where history was not only recorded but made continues to draw visitors for a deeper look at one of the nation’s most influential presidencies at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Located in Hyde Park, the museum is the nation’s first presidential library operated by the National Archives and holds the official records and papers of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency along with an expansive exhibit documenting the lives of both the president and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
The 45,000‑square‑foot exhibit space features roughly 34,000 artifacts, including gifts given to the president as head of state, items presented to the American people, and personal belongings from the Roosevelt family.
Among the items on display is Roosevelt’s lucky campaign hat, used during each of his presidential runs.
The library also documents some of the most pivotal moments in American history, including the president’s “Day of Infamy” address following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“A date which will live in infamy,” Roosevelt famously said.
Every item on display is original, according to library officials, including millions of preserved documents and artifacts that reflect the challenges and triumphs of the era.
Visitors can view telegrams sent directly to the president and explore exhibits that combine multimedia presentations with traditional displays highlighting key moments of the administration.
The museum also gives guests the chance to listen to Roosevelt’s radio addresses to the nation.
“I want to talk for a few minutes with the people of the United States,” Roosevelt can be heard saying.
Roosevelt’s private study, often referred to as the president’s room, has been preserved exactly as it appeared during his time in office.
The museum also houses Roosevelt’s specially designed Ford vehicle, which he operated entirely by hand.
Officials say the library is the only presidential museum displaying the desk Roosevelt used during his administration.
Staff members say they hope visitors leave with a sense of what Americans can accomplish and see the museum as both a place of learning and inspiration.
